Alabama women's basketball coach Wendell Hudson steps down

View full sizeWendell Hudson was 13-18 (2-14 SEC) in his fifth and final season as the head coach of the Alabama women's basketball team. (AL.com/Vasha Hunt)

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama – Wendell Hudson is stepping down after five seasons as the head coach of the Alabama women's basketball team.

Hudson has been reassigned to an administrative position, the school announced Monday.

It's the first major move by new athletics director Bill Battle.

Alabama will begin a national search for a new coach immediately, according to a news release.

“Today’s decision is a mutual one between Wendell and me,” Battle said in the news release. “We have had several discussions over the last few weeks that led to this decision. Wendell has been an excellent ambassador for Alabama athletics for many years, and I am pleased that he will continue to serve in that manner for us while also contributing to our ongoing mission in a variety of other ways as well.”

The Crimson Tide was 68-87 in Hudson's five seasons, including a 14-64 record in the SEC. In his final season, Alabama was 13-18 overall and 2-14 in the SEC. Hudson's best season was 2010-11, when Alabama was 18-15 and played in the Women's National Invitation Tournament.

Hudson was the first black student-athlete on scholarship at Alabama. He was the 1973 SEC Player of the Year.

Before accepting the job as head coach of the women's team, Hudson served five years as associate athletics director for alumni relations at Alabama.

“I want to thank the University for the opportunity to help rebuild the women’s basketball program over the last five years,” Hudson said in the news release.

“I am particularly thankful for the efforts of the young ladies that competed for us these last five seasons, in addition to the dedication of the coaches that have worked on our staff and the many people throughout the University that have provided such tremendous support over the years. I look forward to continuing to serve my school in a productive way over the next few years.”